Backyard 101: Budget-Friendly Tips for a New Summer Oasis

Everyone loves the saying “out with the old and in with the new”. Every year, the latest trends in backyard fashion alongside brand new BBQ’s seem to create a near irresistible temptation to replace that old and rusty patio set with one that hasn’t had to survive a Canadian winter; however, what about making everything old look new again? This summer, rather than tossing out that old patio set you’ve been keeping in storage all winter, here are a few budget-friendly tips and tricks to make your backyard feel like the summer oasis you’ve been dreaming of — without leaving a painful dent in your wallet.

Patio furniture

1. Make old, new again

There’s nothing worse than removing your patio furniture cushions from storage and realizing they’re all stained. Before you think about tossing them, give them a clean. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water and let the cushion covers soak for 1 to 6 hours, depending on the severity of the stain. Wash as normal and your cushions should come out stain-free and looking brand new.

2. Win the weeding war

Did you know that watering your weeds makes it easier to pull them out? If it hasn’t rained in a few days, water your weeds before yanking them. Fun fact: If the soil is moist, you are also less likely to disturb any plants nearby.

Weeds

3. Save with a little scrubbing

There’s a simple solution for removing dirt, grime and stains from patio furniture and even your deck. Mix OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover with water (following the instructions on the package) and apply the solution to almost anywhere. Let stand for a few minutes and scrub as needed. It will leave everything looking neat and clean again.

4. Wheel your way to wonderful

Re-arranging rather than replacing is also a good way to give new life to your backyard. Consider moving planters and patio furniture to different spots within your space to give it a wonderful new look and feel. Remember, you’re not alone when moving heavy items like lounge chairs… there are wheels to help! Wheeling your furniture around doesn’t eliminate all the hard work but will put less strain on your back.

Be prepared that after a weekend of weeding and wheeling, your back, arms, legs, and most likely your whole body may be aching with pain. Make sure you leave yourself enough time on Sunday evening for a warm bath and a few hours curled up with a good book or movie. Before going to bed, it might be a good idea to rub and soothe your sore muscles with Rub A535 Extra Strength Heating Cream. The best things about this product is that it works fast and is non-greasy so you can put it on right before going to bed and it won’t stain your sheets. I really like that it rubs right in to deliver warm and penetrating relief of my stiff and sore muscles.

I only have a small patio but I’ve started planting in containers of course, potatoes are in and I have bought tomato plants and flowers so that’s next on my list of things to do. Unfortunately I get next to no sun (north facing so I’m none too sure how the spuds and toms will do.